Seattle Family Calendar
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July is here and summer is in full swing. With longer days and more unscheduled free time, how are you keeping the family entertained? I can think of at least 25 ways that won’t cost you anything! In fact, our region is overflowing with fabulous ways to keep busy this summer including golf fun, festivals, science, nature time, concerts, movies and more — all outdoors! Here are my top choices for free things to do around Seattle in July.
Note: Some activities require preregistration and can fill up quickly.
The Great Soccer Ball Hunt
Dates: Daily, ongoing
Search out and “collect” all five beautifully decorated buoy soccer balls scattered in parks, like Meadowdale Beach Park and Strawberry Fields Athletic Complex, throughout Snohomish County in this scavenger hunt celebrating the world’s biggest soccer game. Download the map and passport online and start hunting!
Free First Thursdays at Wing Luke Museum This Summer
Date and time: Thursday, July 2, 5–8 p.m.
Don’t miss this limited opportunity to check out the Wing Luke Museum when the first Thursdays of the month are free from 5–8 p.m. through October. Check out the museum’s newest exhibit, “DISplace,” featuring art by Native Hawaiians. Don’t forget, other museums are also free on First Thursdays year-round!
Best Fireworks Shows and Fourth of July Fests Around Seattle and Puget Sound
Date: Saturday, July 4
What is the Fourth of July without fireworks? Celebrate with sparkles and booms raining down on almost every town. Lots of festivities take place during the day on the 4th as well if late-night shows are not compatible with your family’s bedtime. Some cities have special activities to commemorate our country’s 250th birthday as well!
Seattle Center Classical
Date and time: Sunday, July 5, noon–6 p.m.
Head to Seattle Center’s International Fountain for a first-of-its-kind festival featuring an afternoon of live classical music performances, hands-on musical experiences and a community sing-along for all ages.
Pitchside at the Square
Dates: July 1 and 6
Occidental Square will be brewing with excitement on World Cup game days. Take advantage of all the happenings and stop by for giveaways, soccer pitch tournaments and more.
Puyallup’s Kiwanis Kids Day in the Park
Dates and time: Tuesdays, July 7 and 21, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Running through August, Puyallup’s concert series for the kiddos contains an added dose of fun with activities and games before each show every other Tuesday in Pioneer Park.
Fish Tales
Date and time: Thursday, July 9, 11 a.m.–noon
Running monthly on the second Thursday through the end of the year, join the fishy fun at Point Defiance Marina with a themed story and craft geared toward the younger set, but all are welcome!
Ballard Seafood Fest
Dates: Friday–Sunday, July 10–12
It’s the annual Ballard tradition you don’t want to miss. There will be a block party on Friday night, followed by the main festival on Saturday and Sunday when the Kids Deck will be open from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. with entertainment and activities just for them.
Fire Rescue Spectacular
Date and time: Saturday, July 11, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Sound the alarm! Olympia’s Hands On Children’s Museum is putting on its annual free outdoor street fair, the Fire Rescue Spectacular, and it promises to be an action-packed day full of firefighter and first responder fun. Meet Sparky the Fire Dog, take the Junior Firefighter Challenge and explore the city’s fleet of emergency vehicles.
Shark in the Park
Date and time: Sunday, July 12, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Shark enthusiasts won’t want to miss a street party filled with live science demos, hands-on shark-themed activities, games, crafts, food and live music brought to you by the MaST Center Aquarium along the Redondo Waterfront.
Dig Into Dinos
Date and time: Monday, July 13, noon–1 p.m.
Mikey the Rad Scientist will be at Liberty Park in Renton to take you on a musical adventure with singing, dancing and roaring through songs about dinosaurs and other animals. Grab a lunch at this summer meal site and join the fun.
Kirkland Kids Summer Concert Series
Dates and time: Tuesdays, July 14–Aug. 11, 10–11 a.m.
Pack up the kids and head to wonderful Juanita Beach Park on Tuesday mornings this summer. This park features wetland trails, bike paths and a beach in addition to the playground. Don’t miss kiddie faves, Brian Waite Band (July 14), Cowboy Buck (July 21), Harmonica Pocket (Aug. 4) and Ian Dobson (Aug. 11).
Water N’ Kids
Date and time: Wednesday, July 15, 1–3 p.m.
Kids ages 8–10 years old can learn basic water safety skills such as swimming and rip current safety, life jacket use and more at a course taught by Coast Guard experts. Meet at Point Defiance Park’s Pagoda classroom. Preregister.
Teen Open Studio
Date and time: Thursday, July 16, 5–7 p.m.
Teens are invited to dive into the world of artmaking on the third Thursday of each month at the Tacoma Art Museum. In July, create a Pride fan with all the colors that best represent you.
Seafair Clown Arrival
Date and time: Friday, July 17, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Send in the clowns! Summer fun is really taking off with the arrival of Seattle’s beloved Seafair Clowns. Greet them outside the Seattle Aquarium’s Ocean Pavilion for some clowning around and score some stickers, balloons and candy too!
SandBlast Festival of the Arts
Dates: Saturday–Sunday, July 18–19
Head to the scenic Snoqualmie River where McCormick Park hosts Duvall’s annual SandBlast Festival of the Arts and check out next-level creations made by master sand carvers. You’ll also find music, art and food.
Meet Me at Marymoor Soccer Final Celebration
Date and time: Sunday, July 19, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
It’s been a soccer summer to remember. Reserve your spot to watch the FIFA World Cup final at Marymoor Park and bask in the excitement of this world event one last time. Entertainment also includes stage performances, kids activities, giveaways and food trucks.
Family Golf Day
Date: Monday, July 20, 3–7 p.m.
Make golf a family affair and attend Family Golf Day at Tacoma’s Meadow Park Golf Course. There will be fun challenges, games and prizes, and clinics with the pros. All skill levels are welcome!
Bellevue’s Movies in the Park
Dates: Tuesdays, July 14–28
Head to Downtown Park in Bellevue on Tuesday evenings to watch family-friendly movies on a 40-foot movie screen. Pre-movie entertainment starts at 7 p.m. and movies begin at dusk. Screenings continue through August. Catch “Goat” on July 14.
Guided Nature Walk at Wallace Swamp Creek
Date and time: Thursday, July 23, 9–11 a.m.
Grab your binoculars and join a volunteer guide for a nature walk through Wallace Swamp Creek, a mostly undeveloped riparian forest. Kids are welcome on this summer walk, which will focus on the season’s flora and fauna and a little park history.
Renton River Days
Dates: Friday–Sunday July 24–26
Gather the whole crew and head to Renton for the city’s Renton River Days celebration. A weekend of F-U-N awaits you, including entertainment for the kids, a parade, music, the always-popular Rubber Ducky Derby and much more.
Nubian Jam Community Fest
Date and time: Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Forest Park in Everett is the site of this celebratory community fest focused on African and African American culture. Come enjoy live music, youth activities, an open mic contest, a 3×3 basketball tournament and more.
Paws in the Park
Date and time: Sunday, July 26, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Bring Fido and meet other furry friends at Lynndale Dog Park for Paws in the Park. Your animals and animal lovers will have a blast celebrating our four-legged companions with fun activities, contests and local vendors.
Touch a Tractor
Date and time: Thursday, July 30, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Don your favorite overalls and head to Farrel-McWhirter Barnyard to meet Hulk, the resident big green tractor. Get an up-close and personal look at this hardworking machine. Preregister.
Hoops on the Pier
Date and time: Friday, July 31, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Register your 6- to 16-year-old for a basketball clinic led by local coaches at the picturesque Pier 62, where they will learn fundamentals like dribbling, shooting and teambuilding (9 a.m.–1 p.m.), and stay for open play until 6 p.m. when the courts are open to all. Or just stop by to shoot hoops during open play for some casual fun.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in February 2024, and was most recently updated on June 29, 2026, to include 25 new, exciting free things to do in Seattle in July for families by ParentMap’s calendar editor, Julie Dodobara. Event dates, times and locations were cross-checked and verified by our editor.
